WGIL 93.7 FM & 1400 AM » Local Newshttp://wgil.com/v3
Radio designed for the people of GalesburgSun, 02 Aug 2015 14:20:07 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.3Vehicle Involved in Fremont Crash Went Airborne, According to Witnesseshttp://wgil.com/v3/2015/08/02/vehicle-involved-in-fremont-crash-went-airborne-according-to-witnesses/
http://wgil.com/v3/2015/08/02/vehicle-involved-in-fremont-crash-went-airborne-according-to-witnesses/#commentsSun, 02 Aug 2015 13:29:35 +0000http://wgil.com/v3/?p=34569An investigation continues into the fatal crash that took place near Silas Willard Elementary Thursday.

According to witness reports, 19-year-old Joshua F. Yeast’s Chevy Equinox reportedly went airborne over a curb prior to hitting a school bus with two children and two adults aboard.

Another individual cited Yeast’s vehicle speeding through a red light at the North Seminary intersection.

According to Galesburg Police Sergeant Paul Vannaken, Yeast was heading East on Fremont at a “high rate of speed,” when he crashed into the back of the bus also heading East.

No injuries were reported from that vehicle. Vannaken says damage to the bus was minimal as well.

When authorities arrived, yeast was found dead at the scene. The Equinox was flipped on its side and badly twisted upon arrival.

GPD, the Galesburg Fire Department, and the Galesburg Hospitals Ambulance Service all responded. GPD is continuing to be assisted in the investigation by the Knox County Coroner’s office.

LaHood says he think’s it’s important to keep that seat a Republican seat, as it has been for nearly 80 years.

LaHood tells Galesburg’s Morning News on WGIL that the general election will be on September 10th, and it’s important for people in that district to vote for the special election.

“The election is on Thursday, September 10th, which is an odd time to have the election,” says Lahood. “It’s the only thing on the ballot. You know, we’re going to have to get out there and really hustle to let people know, because it’s not something that people naturally gravitate to–it’s something people are going to have to participate in. We’ll be talking a lot more about the date of the election between now and then.”

LaHood says the Republican leaders need to start doing more to bring in conservative issues, especially with Republican majority in both the US House of Representatives and Senate.

]]>In mid-July, the primary election to fill the 18th Congressional District Seat was held, with Democrat Nominee Rob Mellon taking on current state senator and Republican Nominee Darin LaHood.

LaHood says he think’s it’s important to keep that seat a Republican seat, as it has been for nearly 80 years.

LaHood tells Galesburg’s Morning News on WGIL that the general election will be on September 10th, and it’s important for people in that district to vote for the special election.

“The election is on Thursday, September 10th, which is an odd time to have the election,” says Lahood. “It’s the only thing on the ballot. You know, we’re going to have to get out there and really hustle to let people know, because it’s not something that people naturally gravitate to–it’s something people are going to have to participate in. We’ll be talking a lot more about the date of the election between now and then.”

LaHood says the Republican leaders need to start doing more to bring in conservative issues, especially with Republican majority in both the US House of Representatives and Senate.

]]>http://wgil.com/v3/2015/08/02/lahood-fights-to-keep-18th-congressional-district-seat-republican/feed/0Area Restaurants Focus on Gluten Free and Organic Foodshttp://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/area-restaurants-focus-on-gluten-free-and-organic-foods/
http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/area-restaurants-focus-on-gluten-free-and-organic-foods/#commentsFri, 31 Jul 2015 21:44:54 +0000http://wgil.com/v3/?p=34520Recently, more restaurants and grocery stores have begun offering more gluten free options for those with the unique food allergy. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye that often acts as a glue for foods such as bread or pasta.

Even in Galeburg, local restaurants have begun altering and adding menu items that accommodate customers. Landmark Cafe Chef Nathan Weik says they noted a spike a couple of years ago of requests for gluten free options and began highlighting their gluten free options on their menu.

Weik tells WGIL that they have looked into getting gluten free bread, but haven’t found a recipe that meets the quality of their other dishes.

“We’ve been looking for breads that are gluten free, but we’re having a hard time because the quality of those breads is really not up to restaurant standards, in my opinion,” says Weik. “So, it’s been hard to do that and look for gluten free products, but we are trying at the same time.”

Sally Christianson over at Baked says they have looked into gluten free alternatives, but haven’t found a recipe they love yet.

In the meantime, Baked uses locally grown organic food for their menu, which Christianson says varies depending on the season.

These two local restaurants are just a few of several restaurants nation-wide that have begun accommodating gluten free options.

]]>Recently, more restaurants and grocery stores have begun offering more gluten free options for those with the unique food allergy. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye that often acts as a glue for foods such as bread or pasta.

Even in Galeburg, local restaurants have begun altering and adding menu items that accommodate customers. Landmark Cafe Chef Nathan Weik says they noted a spike a couple of years ago of requests for gluten free options and began highlighting their gluten free options on their menu.

Weik tells WGIL that they have looked into getting gluten free bread, but haven’t found a recipe that meets the quality of their other dishes.

“We’ve been looking for breads that are gluten free, but we’re having a hard time because the quality of those breads is really not up to restaurant standards, in my opinion,” says Weik. “So, it’s been hard to do that and look for gluten free products, but we are trying at the same time.”

Sally Christianson over at Baked says they have looked into gluten free alternatives, but haven’t found a recipe they love yet.

In the meantime, Baked uses locally grown organic food for their menu, which Christianson says varies depending on the season.

These two local restaurants are just a few of several restaurants nation-wide that have begun accommodating gluten free options.

]]>http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/area-restaurants-focus-on-gluten-free-and-organic-foods/feed/0Local Legislators Advocate For Steady Amtrak Funding in Budgethttp://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/local-legislators-advocate-for-steady-amtrak-funding-in-budget/
http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/local-legislators-advocate-for-steady-amtrak-funding-in-budget/#commentsFri, 31 Jul 2015 21:33:07 +0000http://wgil.com/v3/?p=34517As the budget impasse continues in Springfield, Governor Bruce Rauner is continuing to battle the $4 Billion hole that comes with House Speaker Michael Madigan’s passed legislation. One cut that Rauner has proposed is a reduction in funds given to the rails, specifically Amtrak.

Locally, Republican legislators are calling for funding to stay put. State Representatives Don Moffitt and Norine Hammond were in Springfield earlier this week in support of keeping funding steady.

Moffitt says rail services reach out to help a lot of of different entities.

“When we have good passenger rail services, it’s better for the environment, we need to keep that in mind,” says Moffitt. “It’s jobs with the crews, it’s jobs in terms of economic development, it’s traffic that it can bring, tourism that it can bring to these communities. I certainly refer to it as ‘access education’ to have good passenger rail service around the state, serving our state colleges and universities, and helping more students be able to access that. Reduced highway congestion, we need to keep all those things in mind, the benefits of passenger rail.”

Hammond added on the importance of education. She also says the service is an “economic engine.” Under the current plan, Rauner has proposed a 40-percent cut in Amtrak funds.

]]>As the budget impasse continues in Springfield, Governor Bruce Rauner is continuing to battle the $4 Billion hole that comes with House Speaker Michael Madigan’s passed legislation. One cut that Rauner has proposed is a reduction in funds given to the rails, specifically Amtrak.

Locally, Republican legislators are calling for funding to stay put. State Representatives Don Moffitt and Norine Hammond were in Springfield earlier this week in support of keeping funding steady.

Moffitt says rail services reach out to help a lot of of different entities.

“When we have good passenger rail services, it’s better for the environment, we need to keep that in mind,” says Moffitt. “It’s jobs with the crews, it’s jobs in terms of economic development, it’s traffic that it can bring, tourism that it can bring to these communities. I certainly refer to it as ‘access education’ to have good passenger rail service around the state, serving our state colleges and universities, and helping more students be able to access that. Reduced highway congestion, we need to keep all those things in mind, the benefits of passenger rail.”

Hammond added on the importance of education. She also says the service is an “economic engine.” Under the current plan, Rauner has proposed a 40-percent cut in Amtrak funds.

]]>http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/local-legislators-advocate-for-steady-amtrak-funding-in-budget/feed/0Monmouth Cruise Night Expects Thousands for Car Show This Eveninghttp://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/monmouth-cruise-night-expects-thousands-for-car-show-this-evening/
http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/monmouth-cruise-night-expects-thousands-for-car-show-this-evening/#commentsFri, 31 Jul 2015 14:11:41 +0000http://wgil.com/v3/?p=34486The Maple City will be packed tonight, as one of the largest events in the area moves into Monmouth for the evening.
Cruise Night in the Maple City is expected to draw a crowd this evening city-wide.

That’s according to event coordinator Kenny Tatman who tells Galesburg’s Morning News on WGIL, that the event has really grown in the near 19 years its been around.

“I think the first year was maybe about 300, we just used one street in Monmouth,”says Tatman. “The next year we kind of expanded closer to the square, and the year after that we took over the whole square, and now we’ve got the whole town.”

In past events, the cruise night has bolstered crowds of more than 25,000 spectators and 1400 cars on display.

Tatman says tonight will be the kick-off to a weekend of car shows around the region, with events also happening tomorrow morning and afternoon in La Harpe and tomorrow night in Macomb.

The free event will have a wide variety of activities on hand, such as a raffle, live music, vendors and of course cars. Events officially start at 4 p.m. this afternoon, however many are expected to arrive earlier in the day.

]]>The Maple City will be packed tonight, as one of the largest events in the area moves into Monmouth for the evening.
Cruise Night in the Maple City is expected to draw a crowd this evening city-wide.

That’s according to event coordinator Kenny Tatman who tells Galesburg’s Morning News on WGIL, that the event has really grown in the near 19 years its been around.

“I think the first year was maybe about 300, we just used one street in Monmouth,”says Tatman. “The next year we kind of expanded closer to the square, and the year after that we took over the whole square, and now we’ve got the whole town.”

In past events, the cruise night has bolstered crowds of more than 25,000 spectators and 1400 cars on display.

Tatman says tonight will be the kick-off to a weekend of car shows around the region, with events also happening tomorrow morning and afternoon in La Harpe and tomorrow night in Macomb.

The free event will have a wide variety of activities on hand, such as a raffle, live music, vendors and of course cars. Events officially start at 4 p.m. this afternoon, however many are expected to arrive earlier in the day.

]]>http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/monmouth-cruise-night-expects-thousands-for-car-show-this-evening/feed/0Galesburg High School Construction No Problem for School Starting On Timehttp://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/galesburg-high-school-construction-no-problem-for-school-starting-on-time/
http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/galesburg-high-school-construction-no-problem-for-school-starting-on-time/#commentsFri, 31 Jul 2015 14:06:57 +0000http://wgil.com/v3/?p=34482Construction is moving along on Galesburg High School and should mostly be completed by August 7th.

That’s according to District 205 Superintendent Ralph Grimm who says that was the deadline the district asked for.
Grimm tells WGIL that as long as there are no additional problems, the school should be ready to go for classes to begin.

“I can tell you that in general terms at GHS that they are right on track with where they hope to be,” says Grimm. “I’ve been told that we are going to have substantial completion by August 7th, which was the working deadline that we asked them to try and adhere to. Barring any unforeseen issues that come up, I think we’re going to be in really good shape to have substantial completion in place by that date.”

Speaking of school starting, Grimm also says parents should begin preparations for the upcoming academic year.

District 205 sent out a checklist to remind parents to make sure their contact information is updated, their children have all the doctors visits they need, and that students are registered for classes.

Grimm says the district would like to hear feedback from parents on the online registration as well.

]]>Construction is moving along on Galesburg High School and should mostly be completed by August 7th.

That’s according to District 205 Superintendent Ralph Grimm who says that was the deadline the district asked for.
Grimm tells WGIL that as long as there are no additional problems, the school should be ready to go for classes to begin.

“I can tell you that in general terms at GHS that they are right on track with where they hope to be,” says Grimm. “I’ve been told that we are going to have substantial completion by August 7th, which was the working deadline that we asked them to try and adhere to. Barring any unforeseen issues that come up, I think we’re going to be in really good shape to have substantial completion in place by that date.”

Speaking of school starting, Grimm also says parents should begin preparations for the upcoming academic year.

District 205 sent out a checklist to remind parents to make sure their contact information is updated, their children have all the doctors visits they need, and that students are registered for classes.

Grimm says the district would like to hear feedback from parents on the online registration as well.

]]>http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/31/galesburg-high-school-construction-no-problem-for-school-starting-on-time/feed/0Cottage Hospital Works on $5 Million Renovationhttp://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/30/cottage-hospital-works-on-5-million-renovation/
http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/30/cottage-hospital-works-on-5-million-renovation/#commentsThu, 30 Jul 2015 19:52:46 +0000http://wgil.com/v3/?p=34477One area hospital has started construction on a $5 million renovation that is expected to last 18 months.Galesburg Cottage Hospital is renovating their 2nd and 3rd floors on the main wing for the new Cottage Orthopedic Center and Transitional Care Units.

Cottage Hospital CEO Barry Schneider says plans for renovation were in place before they brought on the new comprehensive surgical joint replacement program, but adjusted those plans for the new program.

Schneider tells WGIL that the first phase of nine for the project is underway and includes six private patient rooms and a rehabilitation space for Orthopedic patients.

“This first phase is the largest phase of all the phases,” says Schneider. “It’s focused on designing the Cottage Orthopedic Center, which will have six private rooms, as well as [an] adjacent gym area to do a rehabilitation for patients in our center. It’s a national model that we are using for the Orthopedic care for our knee and joint replacements and it’s all focused around wellness and faster recovery of the patients.”

Schneider says they anticipate renovations of the Orthopedic center to be completed by October, and complete renovation done by early 2017.

]]>One area hospital has started construction on a $5 million renovation that is expected to last 18 months.Galesburg Cottage Hospital is renovating their 2nd and 3rd floors on the main wing for the new Cottage Orthopedic Center and Transitional Care Units.

Cottage Hospital CEO Barry Schneider says plans for renovation were in place before they brought on the new comprehensive surgical joint replacement program, but adjusted those plans for the new program.

Schneider tells WGIL that the first phase of nine for the project is underway and includes six private patient rooms and a rehabilitation space for Orthopedic patients.

“This first phase is the largest phase of all the phases,” says Schneider. “It’s focused on designing the Cottage Orthopedic Center, which will have six private rooms, as well as [an] adjacent gym area to do a rehabilitation for patients in our center. It’s a national model that we are using for the Orthopedic care for our knee and joint replacements and it’s all focused around wellness and faster recovery of the patients.”

Schneider says they anticipate renovations of the Orthopedic center to be completed by October, and complete renovation done by early 2017.

]]>http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/30/cottage-hospital-works-on-5-million-renovation/feed/0Identity Released in Fremont Street Accidenthttp://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/30/identity-released-in-fremont-street-accident/
http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/30/identity-released-in-fremont-street-accident/#commentsThu, 30 Jul 2015 19:11:28 +0000http://wgil.com/v3/?p=34454Galesburg Police have released the identity of a man who was confirmed dead this morning as the result of an accident that took place on Fremont Street near Bateman Street, directly in front of the new Silas Willard Elementary School building.

19-year-old Joshua F. Yeast of Galesburg is the deceased. According to Sergeant Paul Vannaken, Yeast was driving a Chevy Equinox heading East on Fremont at a “high rate of speed,” when he crashed into the back of a school bus also heading East.

Vannaken says two children, a driver, and a school monitor were aboard the bus. No injuries have been reported from that vehicle. Vannaken says damage to the bus was minimal as well.

Authorities responded to scene at approximately 7:29 a.m.where yeast was pronounced dead. The Equinox was flipped on its side and badly twisted when authorities arrived.

Accident reconstruction teams have since cleared the wreckage. An investigation is on-going at this time . GPD, the Galesburg Fire Department, and the Galesburg Hospitals Ambulance Service all responded. GPD is being assisted in the investigation by Knox County Coroner Mark Thomas.

]]>Galesburg Police have released the identity of a man who was confirmed dead this morning as the result of an accident that took place on Fremont Street near Bateman Street, directly in front of the new Silas Willard Elementary School building.

19-year-old Joshua F. Yeast of Galesburg is the deceased. According to Sergeant Paul Vannaken, Yeast was driving a Chevy Equinox heading East on Fremont at a “high rate of speed,” when he crashed into the back of a school bus also heading East.

Vannaken says two children, a driver, and a school monitor were aboard the bus. No injuries have been reported from that vehicle. Vannaken says damage to the bus was minimal as well.

Authorities responded to scene at approximately 7:29 a.m.where yeast was pronounced dead. The Equinox was flipped on its side and badly twisted when authorities arrived.

Accident reconstruction teams have since cleared the wreckage. An investigation is on-going at this time . GPD, the Galesburg Fire Department, and the Galesburg Hospitals Ambulance Service all responded. GPD is being assisted in the investigation by Knox County Coroner Mark Thomas.

]]>http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/30/identity-released-in-fremont-street-accident/feed/0Lightning and Age, Possible Answers for Costa Tornado Siren Failurehttp://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/30/lightning-and-age-possible-answers-for-costa-tornado-siren-failure/
http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/30/lightning-and-age-possible-answers-for-costa-tornado-siren-failure/#commentsThu, 30 Jul 2015 15:16:35 +0000http://wgil.com/v3/?p=34427Some have been questioning why one of Galesburg’s 13 tornado sirens did not sound July 16th, when heavy storms produced an EF-2 Tornado not far away in the Warren County town of Cameron.

According to Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Simkins, occasional malfunctions are fairly normal, and can happen for a number of reasons, such as a lightning strike or simply because of aging.

Simkins says sirens are polled and tested on a daily basis, and that the siren at Costa School has been polled as well as checked by maintenance crews.

Simkins tells WGIL, that the siren is in proper working condition, and likely was the day it didn’t sound.

“The day before it was working,” says Simkins. “When I looked through the history, all the rest were working. The funny thing was, later that night after the tornado went through, it was polled again and showing working. Galesburg communications does a great job at working with repairs. They have looked at the one at Costa and have it repaired already.”

Simkins says the system is fairly out of date at this point. He adds that because of the age on certain sirens, the Emergency Management Agency may try to implement new technology in the future, however, for now he says “he’s not worried” about the current system in place.

]]>Some have been questioning why one of Galesburg’s 13 tornado sirens did not sound July 16th, when heavy storms produced an EF-2 Tornado not far away in the Warren County town of Cameron.

According to Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Simkins, occasional malfunctions are fairly normal, and can happen for a number of reasons, such as a lightning strike or simply because of aging.

Simkins says sirens are polled and tested on a daily basis, and that the siren at Costa School has been polled as well as checked by maintenance crews.

Simkins tells WGIL, that the siren is in proper working condition, and likely was the day it didn’t sound.

“The day before it was working,” says Simkins. “When I looked through the history, all the rest were working. The funny thing was, later that night after the tornado went through, it was polled again and showing working. Galesburg communications does a great job at working with repairs. They have looked at the one at Costa and have it repaired already.”

Simkins says the system is fairly out of date at this point. He adds that because of the age on certain sirens, the Emergency Management Agency may try to implement new technology in the future, however, for now he says “he’s not worried” about the current system in place.

]]>http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/30/lightning-and-age-possible-answers-for-costa-tornado-siren-failure/feed/0Bernie Sanders Event Held at Cherry Street Last Nighthttp://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/30/bernie-sanders-event-held-at-cherry-street-last-night/
http://wgil.com/v3/2015/07/30/bernie-sanders-event-held-at-cherry-street-last-night/#commentsThu, 30 Jul 2015 15:09:05 +0000http://wgil.com/v3/?p=34423Galesburg was one of over 3,000 locations that tuned in to a live stream video of Bernie Sanders in support of his presidential campaign.

Dozens of people showed up for the event held last night at Cherry Street, some traveling from nearby counties to attend.
There was a wide variety of demographics in attendance, from senior citizens worried about their social security, to Knox College students concerned over higher education debt.

One area resident, Doug Thompson told WGIL that he is in favor of Bernie Sanders because his ideas are “refreshing”.

“I think Bernie Sanders has some unique ideas–ideas that should be heard that are actually new to the political discourse in this country,” says Thompson. “He’s a breath of fresh air, and I think some of his polices are something we need to look at seriously. For one thing, there is a huge gap in wealth in this country. The rich seem to be getting richer and the poor and the working class seem to be losing ground.”

Attendants had the opportunity to watch the 10 minute live stream video of Sanders, as well as had the opportunity to sign up to volunteer for his campaign.

]]>Galesburg was one of over 3,000 locations that tuned in to a live stream video of Bernie Sanders in support of his presidential campaign.

Dozens of people showed up for the event held last night at Cherry Street, some traveling from nearby counties to attend.
There was a wide variety of demographics in attendance, from senior citizens worried about their social security, to Knox College students concerned over higher education debt.

One area resident, Doug Thompson told WGIL that he is in favor of Bernie Sanders because his ideas are “refreshing”.

“I think Bernie Sanders has some unique ideas–ideas that should be heard that are actually new to the political discourse in this country,” says Thompson. “He’s a breath of fresh air, and I think some of his polices are something we need to look at seriously. For one thing, there is a huge gap in wealth in this country. The rich seem to be getting richer and the poor and the working class seem to be losing ground.”

Attendants had the opportunity to watch the 10 minute live stream video of Sanders, as well as had the opportunity to sign up to volunteer for his campaign.